Genes Play a Critical Role in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Study Finds - Jordan News
A scientific report published by Science Alert reveals that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—one of the most debilitating psychiatric conditions worldwide—may be linked to hundreds of genetic markers that each contribute to varying degrees to a person's risk of developing the disorder. اضافة اعلان According to a recent large-scale study led by psychiatrist Dr. Carol Matthews, researchers analyzed the DNA of over 53,000 individuals diagnosed with OCD, alongside genetic data from more than 2 million people without the condition, making it the largest genetic study of OCD to date. The results identified 30 regions in the human genome containing 249 genes potentially associated with OCD, with 25 of those genes likely playing a direct role in its development. OCD is a complex mental health disorder that combines persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) with repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety these thoughts provoke. The disorder can severely impact a person's personal and social life and is linked to an increased risk of early mortality, both from natural and unnatural causes. The study estimates that genetic factors account for 40% to 65% of the disorder's causes—especially when it begins in childhood. It also found genetic overlaps between OCD and other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and autism, as well as unexpected links to certain immune and neurological disorders.
Researchers hope these findings will pave the way for more accurate diagnostics and personalized, effective treatments, ultimately improving quality of life for millions of patients around the globe and easing their ongoing struggles.
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